If you're looking for ideas for holiday gifts, check out what we have to offer:
A supreme idea: You may not know this but one of the coolest new stores in Chicago is the Wicker Park spot Supreme, at 1438 N. Milwaukee Ave. The 1,800-square-foot spot is all about the global skate brand but there is some cool art to see there as well while you're there, including longtime Supreme friend and collaborator Mark Gonzales' Schminx sculpture in metallic gold finish and with a hand-painted face alongside a tile mosaic by SLUTO.
eCream of the crop: What I like about eCreamery ice cream (ecreamery.com ) is that it's satisfying without being too sweet. And the Santa's Sweet Treat Collection has a pretty cool line-up of flavors that includes Sweet Holiday Wishes (sugar-cookie ice cream with frosted sugar cookie pieces and sprinkles) as well as Sugar and Spice (gingerbread cheesecake ice cream with cookie butter crunch), among others.
Stu-stu-studio: At Studio Rez, LGBTQ+ Chicago artist Juarez Hawkins, www.artmajeur.com/juarez, makes intriguing clay work inspired by African and Southern ritual pottery. Your gift will be guaranteed to be a unique conversation-starter.
Candle might: Calling itself a "Chicago-based lifestyle brand," the LGBTQ+ company RLC Decor Lifestyle (www.rlcdecorlifestyle.com ) provides hand-poured vegan soy candles in a variety of themes (like cities that include NYC, LA, Miami and, of course, Chicago) and extraordinary scents (such as ambrosia clean linen). And if you're not in the mood for candles, jewelry and apparel are available as well.
Just for kicks: Marc Nolan has been known for offering stylish and comfortable shoes (sneakers, boots, and loafers)—and there's now a store in Chicago, at 169 N. Sangamon St. However, if you don't wish to visit the vibrant shop, you can shop via MarcNolan.com .
It's a date: Once again, Workman (www.workman.com/calendars&; has a huge variety of calendars, with formats ranging from page-a-day to wall. The incredible variety of themes has returned as well, including brain teasers, nature, financial advice, countryside cottages, ethnicity and Pride.
Tommy joy: Tommy Bahama (www.tommybahama.com ) has long been known for its beachwear and casual yet cool attire. However, Tommy Bahama has is again working with the Seattle-based Refugee Artisan Initiative this holiday season, turning leftover fabric pieces from Tommy Bahama's men's and women's sportswear into festive linen cocktail napkins and dinner napkins (
tommybahama.com/en/Pale-Passion-Reversible-Upcycled-Cocktail-Napkin-Set/p/SH361324-2195 ) .
'Cruel' intentions: Cassandra Peterson has a memoir out, entitled Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark. The memoir, available at Amazon and many other retailers, tells the real story of the person behind the persona—a small-town girl's journey to become the world's most glamorous Hollywood Halloween icon. The book also talks about everything else from her work with PETA to the behind-the-scenes tension during her appearance on SNL to her longtime relationship with her assistant, Teresa. (The paperback edition contains 32 new pages.)
Bag it: Eagle Creek's Migrate Duffel Bag (www.eaglecreek.com ) is stylish and eco-friendly. The ultra-tough duffel bag has a wide mouth opening and is made of water-resistant materials that are 100% recycled. In addition, the bag is covered by Eagle Creek's No Matter What Warranty—which sounds pretty airtight.
Puzzled: Saying what it sells is "not your grandma's jigsaw puzzle," PUXXXLES (www.puxxxles.com ) is an LGBTQ+-owned adults-only puzzle company that features sexy and fun jigsaw puzzles. Solving has never been so fun!
Skin is in: Atwater (www.atwaterskin.com ) is a premium men's skincare brand founded by Chris Salgardo—who used to be at Kiehl's, so he knows a thing or two about moisturizing. Named after the hometown of Salgardo's father, the brand aims to help men achieve brighter, healthier skin through a consistent daily regimen.
The write stuff: Openly gay award-winning travel writer Mark Chesnut has penned the captivating book Prepare for Departure (amazon.com ). Essentially, it's a memoir about a mother, a son and the journeys that families sometimes must take together—one that is not only geographical but emotional, encompassing forgiveness and acceptance.
Silver sells: Located in Chicago's Hyde Park, The Silver Room (thesilverroom.com ) has been supporting local designers, hosting events and building community for more than 20 years. To that end, it sells pretty cool items that include apparel, jewelry, apothecary items and all sorts of books.
Card sharks: What's one gift that appeals to just about everyone? Gift cards—especially to restaurants. For example, you could purchase a card to the very popular downtown spot The Dearborn (www.thedearborntavern.com ), Near West Side BBQ restaurant Lillie's Q (lilliesq.com ) or Edgewater venue Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar (rewiredcafe.com ).
Grape expectations: Why not include a fantasy excursion on our list? For the low, low price of $175,000, Neiman Marcus is offering the chance for a Hestan Napa Valley luxury experience ( neimanmarcus.com/editorial/gift-guides-holiday-and-special-events/fantasy-gifts-holiday-2022 ) with three others. Among other things, the four of you can unwind with three nights at the five-star resort Auberge du Soleil and relax in tranquility with a spa treatment for you and each of your guests at the resort spa. Of course, there will be fine dining and wine tastings. If that's not your thing, the store is also offering a diamond tiara that's been locked in a vault for 12 years—for $3.2 million.
